LETTER: Bonner should speak up on allegations

Published: Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 9:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 9:19 p.m.

Dear Editor: In the aftermath of the 2013 municipal election, University of Alabama students have come forward with disturbing accusations.

Some tell of being confined in the basement of a sorority house until they filled out voter registration cards — even if they did not want to register to vote in Tuscaloosa. One young woman refused to vote a provisional ballot when she was told she had to swear that she was eligible to vote in District 4.

She was later escorted back to the provisional voting area, where she was forced to sign the form and cast a ballot. Others tell of pressure brought to bear by sorority advisers and other alumna.

The silence from UA President Judy Bonner regarding these allegations has been equally disturbing. It is past time for the administration to speak up. Each incoming freshman class promises to “act with fairness, honesty, and respect; [and] foster individual and civic responsibility.” Surely students should expect no less from the university’s administration.

<p>Dear Editor: In the aftermath of the 2013 municipal election, University of Alabama students have come forward with disturbing accusations. </p><p>Some tell of being confined in the basement of a sorority house until they filled out voter registration cards — even if they did not want to register to vote in Tuscaloosa. One young woman refused to vote a provisional ballot when she was told she had to swear that she was eligible to vote in District 4. </p><p>She was later escorted back to the provisional voting area, where she was forced to sign the form and cast a ballot. Others tell of pressure brought to bear by sorority advisers and other alumna.</p><p>The silence from UA President Judy Bonner regarding these allegations has been equally disturbing. It is past time for the administration to speak up. Each incoming freshman class promises to “act with fairness, honesty, and respect; [and] foster individual and civic responsibility.” Surely students should expect no less from the university's administration.</p>